Next month, the Springfield Museums will host a number of unique astronomy programs designed to give patrons the opportunity to explore the heavens. First, the Springfield Science Museum’s large rooftop telescope will be open for public sky gazing on Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. for the monthly “Stars Over Springfield” observatory program. These programs are organized by the Museum and the Springfield Stars Club, and take place on the first Friday of each month. Stars Over Springfield programs are best suited for families with children ages 8 and older, however younger children are also welcome. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children 17 and under. These programs are held rain or shine. If it is cloudy, a planetarium show will be presented in place of telescope viewing. The featured talk on May 6 is “How to Photograph the Moon Using a Telescope” by Tim Connolly, Springfield Stars Club member and an electron microscopist at Baystate Medical Center.
On Monday, May 9 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Springfield Science Museum staff and members of the Springfield Stars Club will set up telescopes on the Quadrangle to view a rare astronomical event known as a transit of Mercury. This phenomenon occurs when the sun, the planet Mercury and the Earth are aligned in a such a way that Mercury gradually crosses in front of the sun’s orb, allowing its silhouette to appear as a tiny black dot. At the May 9 viewing, the telescopes will be equipped with safe solar filters, as observing the sun improperly can result in permanent eye damage. Please note: the May 9 viewing is free, but will only take place if skies are not overcast. Please check the Museums’ Facebook page or online calendar to confirm that the event will take place.
The May astronomy events will culminate with the Museums’ annual Astronomy Day on Saturday, May 14 from 12 – 4 p.m., with safe sunspot viewing outside with the Springfield Stars Club, tours of the rooftop observatory, and presentations on meteorites inside the Museum by planetarium educator Jack Megas. Museum educators will also lead hands-on astronomy activities for all ages about how craters are formed on the moon, plus a space sensory bin for little hands, and more. The May 14 events are free with Museum admission; planetarium shows are $3 for adults, $2 for children ages 3 – 17, and free for members.
The Springfield Science Museum is located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in downtown Springfield. Secure free onsite parking is available. For information about astronomy programs at the museum, call 413-263-6800, ext. 318.